Missed Pollinator Week? Here’s How to Celebrate All Season Long

What to Plant Now in Nevada (Yes, It’s Not Too Late!)

Pollinator Week might be over, but the celebration doesn’t have to stop! At Bonsai Blue Garden Market, we believe in supporting pollinators all season long, and the good news is, it’s not too late to get planting. In fact, now is the perfect time to refresh your garden with plants that support bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.

Nevada’s unique climate means gardeners still have time to dig in. From flowering shrubs to veggies, here’s what you can plant right now and why it's worth it:

Perennials – All Summer Long!

Perennials are the backbone of any pollinator-friendly space. These long-lived plants return year after year and often require less maintenance than annuals. Here are a few pollinator favourites that can be planted throughout the summer in Nevada:

  • Blackfoot Daisy – A rugged little bloomer with delicate white flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

  • Gaillardia (Blanketflower) – Heat-tolerant and bursting with colour, this wildflower thrives in poor soils and draws in pollinators daily.

  • Penstemon – With tube-like flowers in shades of purple and pink, these are a hummingbird magnet.

  • Milkweed – Essential for monarch butterflies, and a great summer option for creating a wildlife-friendly garden.

💡 Pro Tip: When planting in the heat, mulch around the base of each plant and water deeply to help roots establish without stress.

Wait, Veggies? Yes, They Help Pollinators Too!

Looking to grow food and support pollinators? Add veggie plants before early July for a strong summer harvest. Many vegetables rely on insect pollination to produce fruit. Add veggie plants before early July for a strong summer harvest.

Now through early July is the ideal time to get heat-loving veggies in the ground. Consider planting:

  • Summer squash

  • Cherry tomatoes

  • Cucumbers

  • Peppers

  • Melons

Don’t Forget Shrubs & Trees

Shrubs and trees provide long-term habitat and structure for pollinator gardens. Some even bloom late in the season when food becomes scarce. At Bonsai Blue, we have a selection of pollinator-friendly options available now, including:

  • Apache Plume – A wispy native shrub with fluffy seed heads and small flowers loved by bees.

  • Desert Willow – Showy flowers and hummingbird-approved.

  • Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris) – A butterfly favourite with clouds of blue blooms in late summer.

These plants not only support pollinators but are also incredibly hardy, low-maintenance choices for the Nevada landscape.

Keep the Pollinator Celebration Going

Missed the official week? No problem. Supporting pollinators isn’t just a one-week event—it’s something you can weave into your garden all year long. With the right plants and a little care, your outdoor space can be buzzing with life through the hottest days of summer and beyond.

Stop by Bonsai Blue or check out our seasonal inventory to get your garden going. We’re always happy to help you find the right plants that work for your space, support local wildlife, and keep your yard looking beautiful.

cary yamamoto